Homemade Soft Pretzels

Indulge in the irresistible flavor and soft, chewy texture of Homemade Soft Pretzels—a recipe that brings the warmth and charm of a pretzel shop right to your kitchen. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and butter, these golden-brown treats are boiled in a baking soda bath for that characteristic pretzel flavor before being brushed with a rich egg wash and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. In just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, you'll have perfectly soft, pillowy pretzels that are ideal for snacking, dipping, or serving at parties. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or paired with your favorite mustard or cheese dip, these classic homemade pretzels are a crowd-pleasing favorite that will make your kitchen the coziest spot in town. Perfect for beginner bakers and pretzel enthusiasts alike, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.67 cup Baking soda
• 8 cups Water (for boiling)
• 2 tablespoons Coarse sea salt (for topping)
• 1 large Egg yolk (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add the salt, melted butter, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Stir to dissolve the baking soda completely.

Step 7

Punch the risen dough down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-24 inch rope and shape into a pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends, and pressing them down onto the bottom of the U shape.

Step 8

Using a slotted spatula, gently place one pretzel at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Let it boil for 20-30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pretzels lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3056.5 grams (3056.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2279

Total Fat 55.60g	71%
Saturated Fat 31.50g	158%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 308mg	103%
Sodium 56085mg	2438%
Total Carbohydrate 382.20g	139%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 13.70g
Protein 55.50g	111%

Vitamin D 18IU	90%
Calcium 84mg	6%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 677mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.2%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 67.9%